Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes and My Late Arrival to Fall

I have resisted the foods of fall – even posting a strawberry recipe in late October. I could just tell you that I’m celebrating the wonder of living in California with its lingering summer growing season. But truth be told, I’m stubborn and have been clinging on to warmth and sunshine like a child clings to their favorite blankie.

Then came Halloween and like a switch, I was suddenly pumping out the pumpkin recipes. First pumpkin muffins, then pumpkin pancakes, and for the triumvirate – pumpkin granola. Let’s start with the Sunday morning pumpkin pancakes, a variation on Deb’s Perfect Pancakes – posted last April.

The batter color was stunning, a pale peachy orange which intensified coming off the butter-covered griddle. And the pumpkin pie flavor, especially when topped with toasted pecans and maple syrup was enough to convince me that it’s time to celebrate the bounty of autumn, fallen leaves, squash, cold weather, and all.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients. I usually use a fork to combine them which helps break up any lumpy bits of flour if there are any.

In another medium size measuring cup or bowl, combine all the wet ingredients and whisk together until combined.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry, combining just until most lumps are gone and dry flour is no longer visible. Do not over stir. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes if you can and then check the texture. If it seems too thick you can always add a bit more milk.

To make the pancakes, I use a stove-top griddle pan, but you can use a non-stick pan as well. And I use butter to cook them which results in an imperfect look but a delightful crunchy exterior. I use medium heat and wait until the butter is just sizzling. Add a small ladleful of pancake batter. I frequently add in nuts or chocolate chips at this stage. (I only sprinkled pecans on top because some of my family members prefer no nuts in the pancakes. You can certainly add them at this stage if you prefer.)

Be patient and wait to flip your pancake until you see some little holes/circles forming in the batter. Once they are visible, flip and they will be ready in just another minute or so.

I also resisted the pumpkin mania for as long as I could. Finally I dove in and haven’t come up for air! We’ve been having pumpkin waffles on the weekend and these scrumptious pancakes might be a splendid change of pace this week!

I’m all for simple, but this is a great way to use up that little bit of pumpkin left in the can. And you can use pumpkin pie spice in place of the individual spices and shorten the prep time even more. I’ll eat your pancakes any day.

I, on the other hand, am just coming into strawberry season, and can’t get enough of them. Your pancakes look gorgeous though, Beth – what an incredible colour they are. Whenever I see recipes like this, I’m always a little envious that we can’t get canned pumpkin in New Zealand.

Oh I should send you some – I’ve tried baking my own pumpkin but it’s just too much extra effort that I don’t have time for. Love the canned stuff, especially the new organic varieties. Let me know if you want me to send some your way!

One other thing I got from this post is that I’ve never made my pancake batter in a measuring cup before – but seeing you picture – it seems like such a natural fit. You can just pour right onto the pan.

Pancakes bring back such fond memories of my father teaching me to wait till the bubbles pop in the middle of the pancake before you flip it. It was a real family event for us.

First, let me say that the pics are so clear and pretty. It looks scrumptious! I love a post with an appealing picture attached. Now, you have me beat. I didn’t try any pumpkin recipes or any fall recipes, yet. Hoping to get into doing some things related to the fall before it leaves. If not, I’ll be catching up on Winter/Christmas recipes.

Thanks for popping over. Yes – start enjoying fall quickly before the winter solstice arrives! These are fun and easy and wonderful on a Sunday morning or for a quick meal when breakfast for dinner sounds just right! Thx for noticing the photos – I am always working on that aspect. Just bought lights to use during the short light days coming over the next few months. We’ll see how that goes…

These are soooo special! Bruce and I had them for breakfast yesterday and have leftovers. ;> YAY! I used all of the recommended ingredients (including caramom and butter). The aroma was wonderful and they tasted like a holiday!

Now – what to do with the cup of leftover pumpkin? Thinking about adding it to some butternut squash soup or to some leftover risotto. Any other ideas?

Oh Gretchen so glad you enjoyed them! You’ve made my day! Yesterday, I made them again but as waffles. Just added a touch of extra fat to ensure crispiness. They were wonderful.

I like both of your ideas. Others – pumpkin banana bread, pumpkin muffins (made some a couple of weeks ago – haven’t posted recipe but can send to you if you want), pumpkin granola! Just made that too – subbed in some pumpkin for some of the fat – worked great. Also haven’t posted that recipe but can shoot it over if you want it.

Let me know. But I’m really liking the soup idea – weather is getting just right for that.

Making soup tonight! It is perfect fall weather and I hear soup calling my name. ;> Had leftover pumpkin pancakes for breakfast drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with chopped, toasted pecans. Bruce commented that he loves how adventsuresome I am with cooking. No ruts over here! Thanks for cheering me on!

So how did the soup turn out? We finished the last pumpkin waffle this morning before my hubby flew off to France on business. It was a yummy send-off! Food cheerleading is what I’m all about. Happy to be of service!

Actually, as it so happens, I was seduced by mention of a pumkin coconut bisque (I was previewing the menu for Absinthe for dinner there soon)…so I opened yet another can of pumkin and one of coconut milk and added a few more ingredients and voila! smooth, creamy, yummy…. ahhh, France, where one can order foie gras most any place! ;>

I love your Sunday pancakes and the photos you share, Beth! This is an especially appealing one. I’m crazy about pancakes and pumpkin so it’s perfect to combine the two. I’ve been stirring leftover pumpkin puree into my morning oatmeal. I agree, the canned organic pumpkin is so good. I’m happy you’ve embraced fall and all its splendor. We’ve had a couple snowfalls so I already have winter on my mind and feel like I’m clinging to autumn.

I always get a smile on my face when I see that you’ve stopped by :-). Wow – snow already – I think also in NYC! We are still pushing into the low 70s here almost daily but still very fall like – lots of leaves on the ground and a chill in the house. Love the pumpkin in the oatmeal idea. Going to try that – there is always a little bit left. Bet you are counting the days until Thanksgiving!

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I'm Beth - a seasoned marketing professional, food writer, and enthusiastic food consumer. Join the conversation as I blend and stir ingredients, stories, and memories in my kitchen, inspiring you to do the same in yours.